Yet another brilliant batting display by Michael Clarke helped Australia pile on the runs in Adelaide. Here are highlights from the first day's play, during which Australia scored at nearly six per over.

Australia's score of 482 is the second-highest number of runs scored on the first day of a Test match - the highest is 494, also by Australia against South Africa, way back in 1910 at the SCG. The most runs scored by one team in a day's play is 509, by Sri Lanka against Bangladesh in 2002 - those runs, though, were scored on the second day of the Test. The record number of runs scored in a single day's play is 588, on the second day of a Test between England and India in 1936 - England scored 398 of those runs, while India contributed 190. This is the second time that Australia have scored more than 400 on the first day's play in Adelaide. The previous time they achieved the feat was against India in 2003-04, when India went on to win by four wickets.

Michael Clarke became the only player to make four 200-plus scores in a single calendar year. He had previously shared the record with Don Bradman and Ricky Ponting. Among batsmen with 1000-plus runs in home Tests in a calendar year, Clarke has the highest average (359). Only Ashwell Prince and Bradman have a higher average in a single year in home Tests. Clarke, who has another two Tests to play this year, has an average of 140.55, which is the second-highest for a single year (1000-plus runs in a year) behind Garry Sobers' average of 144.66.

Clarke's century is his 21st in 85 Tests. He is now eighth on the list of Australian batsmen with the most Test hundreds. Clarke's average of 66.48 is the second-highest for an Australian batsman in home Tests (min 3000 runs). Clarke's double-century is also his fourth as a captain - only Brian Lara (five double-centuries) has more 200-plus scores as captain.

Clarke became the third player after Bradman and Wally Hammond to register two double-century scores in a series twice. Bradman is the only batsman to make three such scores in a series.

Clarke's strike rate of 92.18 during his knock is his highest for a 100-plus score. His top two knocks in terms of strike rate have come against South Africa.

David Warner's century is his third in 11 Tests. His previous centuries came against New Zealand (Hobart) and India (Perth). Warner is the third Australian batsman after Adam Gilchrist and Mitchell Johnson to score a century against South Africa at a strike rate greater than 100 (Tests since South Africa's readmission).

Michael Hussey, who came into the series with just one century against South Africa, scored his second century in two Tests. It is also his 18th century overall and his second in Adelaide after the 133 against West Indies in 2005.

The number of sixes hit so far in the innings (9) is joint-third on the list of innings with the most sixes for Australia. In Johannesburg in 2002, Australia hit 11 sixes in their innings win.

The 272-run stand between Clarke and Hussey is the highest fifth-wicket stand in Adelaide. It is also the seventh-highest fifth-wicket stand for Australia overall. For the 19th time overall, and the third time this year, Australia had century partnerships for the fourth and fifth wickets. The previous two efforts came against India (Sydney) and South Africa (Brisbane).

The combined run-rate for the fourth and fifth-wicket partnerships (5.78) is the highest in Tests since 1990 surpassing the previous best of 5.22 for England against West Indies in 2004 (min aggregate 200 runs).

Imran Tahir went for 159 runs off his 21 overs. His economy rate (7.57) is the highest ever for a bowler in a Test innings (min 20 overs bowled). The number of runs conceded by Tahir (159) is the second-highest in an innings for a South Africa bowler against Australia (since 1991).

@Meety .... I do know my history here is the evidence : http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/455228.html

The last line from that article :
"The survivors of the original Bodyline series marvelled that there was no public riot, for it had come close to that in Adelaide in 1933, when two of Australia's batsmen were felled. Yet now, in a period of 20 years, West Indies fast men sent 40 opposing batsmen to hospital."

Larwood is nowhere near in the class of Dale Steyn. If you want to pretend otherwise thats just plain dishonest.

Damp pitches : Bradman was no big fan of these pitches and has a poor record on such pitches.

The problem usually in any Bradman discussion is peoples willingness to accept facts without embellishing them. We love to keep anything and everything from spoiling a good story so anyone and everyone that played against Bradman gets automatically nominated as a great.

on November 23, 2012, 7:34 GMT

482 runs on the first day of a test is phenomenal efforts even though they were reeling one time at 55 for 3. That too against a top class side who is no. 1 in ICC test ranking.

on November 23, 2012, 6:25 GMT

One more record: he has scored 628 runs AFTER reaching the century in Tests in 2012, a new record for a calendar year (previous Bradman 1930: 551 runs in five centuries). By way of comparison, Mark Waugh scored 412 runs after reaching 100 in his entire career (20 centuries, 4 not out)

on November 23, 2012, 3:56 GMT

A great days play, exceptional from Warner, Huss and especially Clarke. One disappointment was that we didn't get 90 overs in the day. I think that should be a mandatory condition of the game. Actually i think it should be mandatory to get 15 overs per hour, and fines dealt out per hour based on the run rate for that hour. eg if the Base fine is $1000 per over and 1.5 overs were missed in that hour and the run rate was 3.1, the fine should be $1000*1.5*3.1 = $4650. You can negate the fine by bowling 2*the Deficit in the next hour. In this case 18 overs (no you don't get extra if you bowl more)

In addition to the fine, the team should bowl the deficit overs anyway, by extending the game time at the end of the day, preferably, or by starting early the next day or both if necessary.

It should be considered part of the game that a captain must manage his resources so that 90 overs are bowled for a full days play, otherwise it is unfair to the batting side and to the spectators.

V-Man_
on November 22, 2012, 23:50 GMT

Eventhough I am not a big fan of Clarke but I have to take my hat off to the form he is in. The extra responsibility of captaincy seems to make the australian players go up few gears. I remember the same thing with Steve waugh and pointing when they became captain. Clarke's innings sort of eased the pain of seeing pointing ugly dismissal. Lol

on November 22, 2012, 23:22 GMT

Also, Michael Clarke's 224* is the highest score by a No.5 batsman on day 1 of a test match.

Meety
on November 22, 2012, 23:09 GMT

@eternity_ on (November 22 2012, 17:21 PM GMT) - mate, there was fast bowlers of the same speed & skill of todays greats in Bradman's era. Learn your history buddy. What do you think Bodyline was? The reality was, spinners throved in that era of uncovered pitches, in today's game, MOST batsmen wouldn't survive 10 balls on a damp pitch - against spinners let alone pacers. I do agree re: fielding.
@BG4cricket on (November 22 2012, 19:21 PM GMT) - I think things depend on WHEN the Saffas have to bat. IF Oz push on towards 700 (could be there by Tea time roughly) & the Saffas have to come out to bat for 90 minutes, I would NOT be surprised if Oz could claim 3 or 4 wickets - EVEN if the pitch is good. It would be a mental thing. Funny thing is, IF Pup had declared with an hour to go yesterday - I think we could of had a Newlands on our hands as the Saffas were shot ducks. I expect they will fight hard & some of their batsmen will do VERY well!

on November 22, 2012, 22:33 GMT

Would someone actually mention what were the 4 200s scored by Clarke? What tests this year? Etc. It is so strange that every story on cricinfo says he scored 4 two-hundreds, but NONE story actually lists the four. Why are the writers teasing us? Thanks!

on November 22, 2012, 22:31 GMT

The only reason all these runs have been scored is because the grounds side boundaries are too short! Just have a look at the number of runs scored on both sides! They're even shorter now because of the construction going on.

Coupled that with a dead flat pitch, they should scored over 500 in a day!

BG4cricket
on November 22, 2012, 19:21 GMT

Maddy, Victor and Meety - this is the same Adelaide wicket as normal but the real difference is that SA bowled absolute tripe which got the treatment it deserved. It was a truly insipid effort especially from the spinners and anyone who thinks Faf is an all rounder has rocks in their head. I think you will find once SA bats that the wicket is a fair one but I would be very surprised if SA avoid defeat in this test.

SG70
on November 24, 2012, 6:43 GMT

@Meety .... I do know my history here is the evidence : http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/455228.html

The last line from that article :
"The survivors of the original Bodyline series marvelled that there was no public riot, for it had come close to that in Adelaide in 1933, when two of Australia's batsmen were felled. Yet now, in a period of 20 years, West Indies fast men sent 40 opposing batsmen to hospital."

Larwood is nowhere near in the class of Dale Steyn. If you want to pretend otherwise thats just plain dishonest.

Damp pitches : Bradman was no big fan of these pitches and has a poor record on such pitches.

The problem usually in any Bradman discussion is peoples willingness to accept facts without embellishing them. We love to keep anything and everything from spoiling a good story so anyone and everyone that played against Bradman gets automatically nominated as a great.

on November 23, 2012, 7:34 GMT

482 runs on the first day of a test is phenomenal efforts even though they were reeling one time at 55 for 3. That too against a top class side who is no. 1 in ICC test ranking.

on November 23, 2012, 6:25 GMT

One more record: he has scored 628 runs AFTER reaching the century in Tests in 2012, a new record for a calendar year (previous Bradman 1930: 551 runs in five centuries). By way of comparison, Mark Waugh scored 412 runs after reaching 100 in his entire career (20 centuries, 4 not out)

on November 23, 2012, 3:56 GMT

A great days play, exceptional from Warner, Huss and especially Clarke. One disappointment was that we didn't get 90 overs in the day. I think that should be a mandatory condition of the game. Actually i think it should be mandatory to get 15 overs per hour, and fines dealt out per hour based on the run rate for that hour. eg if the Base fine is $1000 per over and 1.5 overs were missed in that hour and the run rate was 3.1, the fine should be $1000*1.5*3.1 = $4650. You can negate the fine by bowling 2*the Deficit in the next hour. In this case 18 overs (no you don't get extra if you bowl more)

In addition to the fine, the team should bowl the deficit overs anyway, by extending the game time at the end of the day, preferably, or by starting early the next day or both if necessary.

It should be considered part of the game that a captain must manage his resources so that 90 overs are bowled for a full days play, otherwise it is unfair to the batting side and to the spectators.

V-Man_
on November 22, 2012, 23:50 GMT

Eventhough I am not a big fan of Clarke but I have to take my hat off to the form he is in. The extra responsibility of captaincy seems to make the australian players go up few gears. I remember the same thing with Steve waugh and pointing when they became captain. Clarke's innings sort of eased the pain of seeing pointing ugly dismissal. Lol

on November 22, 2012, 23:22 GMT

Also, Michael Clarke's 224* is the highest score by a No.5 batsman on day 1 of a test match.

Meety
on November 22, 2012, 23:09 GMT

@eternity_ on (November 22 2012, 17:21 PM GMT) - mate, there was fast bowlers of the same speed & skill of todays greats in Bradman's era. Learn your history buddy. What do you think Bodyline was? The reality was, spinners throved in that era of uncovered pitches, in today's game, MOST batsmen wouldn't survive 10 balls on a damp pitch - against spinners let alone pacers. I do agree re: fielding.
@BG4cricket on (November 22 2012, 19:21 PM GMT) - I think things depend on WHEN the Saffas have to bat. IF Oz push on towards 700 (could be there by Tea time roughly) & the Saffas have to come out to bat for 90 minutes, I would NOT be surprised if Oz could claim 3 or 4 wickets - EVEN if the pitch is good. It would be a mental thing. Funny thing is, IF Pup had declared with an hour to go yesterday - I think we could of had a Newlands on our hands as the Saffas were shot ducks. I expect they will fight hard & some of their batsmen will do VERY well!

on November 22, 2012, 22:33 GMT

Would someone actually mention what were the 4 200s scored by Clarke? What tests this year? Etc. It is so strange that every story on cricinfo says he scored 4 two-hundreds, but NONE story actually lists the four. Why are the writers teasing us? Thanks!

on November 22, 2012, 22:31 GMT

The only reason all these runs have been scored is because the grounds side boundaries are too short! Just have a look at the number of runs scored on both sides! They're even shorter now because of the construction going on.

Coupled that with a dead flat pitch, they should scored over 500 in a day!

BG4cricket
on November 22, 2012, 19:21 GMT

Maddy, Victor and Meety - this is the same Adelaide wicket as normal but the real difference is that SA bowled absolute tripe which got the treatment it deserved. It was a truly insipid effort especially from the spinners and anyone who thinks Faf is an all rounder has rocks in their head. I think you will find once SA bats that the wicket is a fair one but I would be very surprised if SA avoid defeat in this test.

BobCo
on November 22, 2012, 18:21 GMT

@Dhirshan Gobind -- exactly, Smith has done it one test series, not 2, like Hammond, Bradman and now Clarke.

on November 22, 2012, 18:19 GMT

@Dhirshan_Gobind- That would be two double centuries once.

Neeta
on November 22, 2012, 18:03 GMT

@ Dhirshan Gobind: The answer lies in your above statement. Clarke has scored two double centuries in a series twice. He did against the Indians earlier this year and now against SA. G.Smith only did it once against England in 2003

SG70
on November 22, 2012, 17:21 GMT

@Meety There is one another big difference between Bradman and Clarke of today - The bowling attacks and the fielding. Fast bowlers of the caliber of Steyn, Morkel simply did not exist back then. Lets not even talk about the fielding.

valvolux
on November 22, 2012, 16:56 GMT

Brutal stuff from clarke. why is there a push to put him at 3? look at hussey...back at 6 and loving it. flat tracks aside, this was carnage. and a track cant be called poor until the other side has batted. people thinking australia has prepared flat decks to aid our side obviously havent watched the last 20 years of cricket. its as if curators win the toss for you as well. i just hope clarke hasnt used up all his form before the ashes....cause saffer and indian bashing is boring because we always do it...havent beaten the poms in a while though

on November 22, 2012, 15:55 GMT

So we have a plan with Michael Clarke do we? Seriously, I have never understood why some Australians dislike Michael Clarke - he plays cricket as it should be played, and like Steve Waugh, captains to win, as it should be. It would be great fun to watch SA get back in though.

Aussie_Cricket
on November 22, 2012, 15:22 GMT

Be good if Clarke took the 400 record by Lara. At least with Clarke getting 400 the team could still win rather than getting a draw which is what Lara ended up doing to WI in that match. Unlike Lara though I doubt he'll put a record before the team and declare before he gets there.

a1s2
on November 22, 2012, 15:15 GMT

@dhirshan gobind.it says that micheal clarke made more than 200 twice in 2 series.first against india with 300 and 200 and now south africa

BravoBravo
on November 22, 2012, 14:40 GMT

Exceptional batting by Clarke as always. The people who are here to look down at the runfest of Clarke: I would say this that a good batsman gets runs regardless of the venue or type of pitches, and good bowler get the wickets regardless of the venue and pitches.

Scube
on November 22, 2012, 14:29 GMT

@Dhirshan Gobind: I hope you understand the meaning of scoring two double tons in a series TWICE! Smith did it ONCE!

on November 22, 2012, 14:01 GMT

So Australia has the flattest tracks in the world. Even the mighty South Africans were whacked like a T20 Game. Look at the economy rate of Morne Morkel, 5.81. Wake up Australia, Make a sportive wicket. Are you afraid of South African Attack?

poncho
on November 22, 2012, 13:51 GMT

Pretty good show to break the world record for most test runs between dismissals. Currently 497 set by Sacchin back in 04. Only needs to add a few more tomorrow to be the first man to break 500.

on November 22, 2012, 13:44 GMT

Most runs in Tests at Adelaide: Most double tons in a calender year: Fastest double tons: Most double tons by a captain: Clarke has the best batting average, better than even Sir Donald Bradman, and has scored the second most number of hundreds at this venue.

on November 22, 2012, 13:13 GMT

'Clarke became the third player after Bradman and Wally Hammond to register two double-century scores in a series twice' . . . what about graeme smith 2003 vs england?????

maddy20
on November 22, 2012, 13:05 GMT

Enough of this drumming people. No team is that good scoring 480 at over 5 runs an over against the Saffas, unless and of course, the curators have dished out flat tracks to demoralize the opposition bowlers. Looks like cricket Australia is trying its level best to kill test cricket. If I was the curator I would be embarassed for preparing a track like this, for such a marquee game. As for the Saffas, dont give up amigos. Bat out two days score some lead, Aussies, bat again, game ends in a draw. Its bad for test cricket, but there's nothing you can do about it. What a shame!

Meety
on November 22, 2012, 12:55 GMT

@Steven Bartley - I think a fundamental difference between Pups style in his 2012 vein of form versus The Don, was I am pretty sure (grainy footage & written accounts) The Don hit almost exclusively along the ground. I love watching Pup bat, but he is a bit flashy & lofts a bit. Can't get caught if you hit them along the ground I believe was The Don's mantra - that said Pup-style in 2012 has been pretty good!

zarasochozarasamjho
on November 22, 2012, 12:35 GMT

No matter how you look at it, Clarke's performances this year and particularly against the best team in the world is absolutely unbelievable. Nothing should be taken away from it. This aside, there are still 4 days left to the test; anything can happen but of course so far Australia have themselves done no harm. It is now time for the tough to get going (no excuses accepted) now that the going is tough. Come on South Africa. This Pakistani supporter is behind you.

ankit_barry
on November 22, 2012, 12:33 GMT

Clarke's possessed right now, being an Indian i got up early to watch this test match & was repaid with one of the best day in cricket, decent start, then flurry of wickets, Ponting's was an icing on cake & then Warners counter attack & Clarke's sublime touch of aggression & Hussey's calm, composed yet attacking approach & when it seemed that the day would tilt towards the batsmen completely, Steyn came up with a good inswinger for Hussey. To top it all the SAf'ans injury list.

on November 22, 2012, 12:24 GMT

What is the record for the most amount of runs off a single bowler in one day?

Meety
on November 22, 2012, 12:18 GMT

I'd like to know what is the record for most runs without getting out. I can't remember - but I think it is a Pom, with about 500 runs. I think Gooch is also close witha around 490????????

on November 22, 2012, 12:00 GMT

Naturally, like many of us, I never had the fortune of seeing a Bradman Innings bar the odd grainy black-and-white highlights reels. Without rushing into modern-day comparisons and using 'heat-of-the-moment' superlatives, I think a lot of us can agree that the way Clarke constructed that Innings earlier today, oozed with the confidence above any batsman we've seen in recent Test History. I for one feel honoured to have witnessed that display today and am at a loss to compare another knock in modern times that possessed the flawless strokeplay and timing that Clarke exhibited today. Rumaging through some footage of Lara at his brazen best even fails to match. Can't wait for another dose of it in the morning....

on November 22, 2012, 11:58 GMT

The plan has to be bat for as long as possible tomorrow so Aust get the best of the conditions and SA get a progressively worsening track. Clarke has successfully won me over and should have won everyone over with his truly awesome performances recently.

on November 22, 2012, 11:55 GMT

... two double centuries and yet to be dismissed in the series- it doesn't get much better than this. Would it be to greedy to look forward to the 300 hundred tomorrow, an over or two before lunch?

... two double centuries and yet to be dismissed in the series- it doesn't get much better than this. Would it be to greedy to look forward to the 300 hundred tomorrow, an over or two before lunch?

on November 22, 2012, 11:58 GMT

The plan has to be bat for as long as possible tomorrow so Aust get the best of the conditions and SA get a progressively worsening track. Clarke has successfully won me over and should have won everyone over with his truly awesome performances recently.

on November 22, 2012, 12:00 GMT

Naturally, like many of us, I never had the fortune of seeing a Bradman Innings bar the odd grainy black-and-white highlights reels. Without rushing into modern-day comparisons and using 'heat-of-the-moment' superlatives, I think a lot of us can agree that the way Clarke constructed that Innings earlier today, oozed with the confidence above any batsman we've seen in recent Test History. I for one feel honoured to have witnessed that display today and am at a loss to compare another knock in modern times that possessed the flawless strokeplay and timing that Clarke exhibited today. Rumaging through some footage of Lara at his brazen best even fails to match. Can't wait for another dose of it in the morning....

Meety
on November 22, 2012, 12:18 GMT

I'd like to know what is the record for most runs without getting out. I can't remember - but I think it is a Pom, with about 500 runs. I think Gooch is also close witha around 490????????

on November 22, 2012, 12:24 GMT

What is the record for the most amount of runs off a single bowler in one day?

ankit_barry
on November 22, 2012, 12:33 GMT

Clarke's possessed right now, being an Indian i got up early to watch this test match & was repaid with one of the best day in cricket, decent start, then flurry of wickets, Ponting's was an icing on cake & then Warners counter attack & Clarke's sublime touch of aggression & Hussey's calm, composed yet attacking approach & when it seemed that the day would tilt towards the batsmen completely, Steyn came up with a good inswinger for Hussey. To top it all the SAf'ans injury list.

zarasochozarasamjho
on November 22, 2012, 12:35 GMT

No matter how you look at it, Clarke's performances this year and particularly against the best team in the world is absolutely unbelievable. Nothing should be taken away from it. This aside, there are still 4 days left to the test; anything can happen but of course so far Australia have themselves done no harm. It is now time for the tough to get going (no excuses accepted) now that the going is tough. Come on South Africa. This Pakistani supporter is behind you.